Dr. Stan Hyland , Head of the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Receiving the award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship is Dr. Stan Hyland , Head of the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy Dr. Hyland, who received his PhD in Anthropology in 1977 from the University of Illinois at Urbana , has demonstrated his commitment to improving the quality of life in communities in Memphis and the Mid-South since joining the University of Memphis in 1976. Tangible results of these efforts include directing research for the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission and coordinating university outreach in the Uptown Neighborhood Resource Center . His scholarly work focuses on urban development, poverty, public housing, community-building, and grassroots organization. Professor Hyland has educated generations of urban anthropology students, many of whom have gone on to serve the Memphis area in various nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other leadership positions. He has also been the University's strongest proponent of engaged scholarship, using his expertise to help solve community problems. Stan Hyland personifies “engaged scholarship,” so it is particularly appropriate that he is the first recipient of the award. Congratulations, Dr. Hyland.